Disney’s Beauty And The Beast: The Musical At Birmingham Hippodrome, Review

Reviewed by Alexander Wilde

Born from the ground-breaking animation of 1991, and previous Broadway and West End incarnations, this beloved and award-winning musical tale continues its reimagined UK and Ireland tour at Birmingham Hippodrome. With a company of the world’s finest theatrical and creative talent bringing to life my all-time favourite Disney film, I was expecting an unforgettably magical evening…

And I could not be happier! Still beaming from ear to ear, my jaw aches from two hours of smiling and laughing. I am a truly filled with cheer as I reflect upon a phenomenal night.

True to the narrative of the original film, with all the cherished characters, and featuring the treasured songs of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, this musical delights with the familiar, as well as enriches with all new songs and characterisation.

Capturing the vibrant, intelligent and self-assured Belle, Grace Swaby-Moore stood in for Courtney Stapleton. An assured and beautiful performance, she was by no means the understudy. The evolving relationship with the former prince, transformed by a commanding Shaq Taylor, was a joy to watch. The duos chemistry was tangible and Shaq’s stage presence and physicality, combined with the superb prosthetics made for a fearsome Beast. Much to the glee of the audience, one young girl audibly squealed when he was first revealed!

The couplets throughout the story were at the heart of every charming, hilarious or compelling scene. In many ways, their relationships surpass those of the screen iterations. Every look, movement and quip brought them to life: the bumbling, besotted LeFou and the wonderfully vain Gaston – the very energetic Louis Stockil and Nigel Richards respectively; wise and maternal Mrs Potts (Sam Bailey capturing the warmth of Angela Lansbury whilst making the role her own) with her adorable son Chip; the suave, oh-so-French Lumiere and tightly-wound Cogsworth – flamboyant Gavin Lee and Nigel Richards played the bickering pair perfectly. Capturing a panto spirit which raised many a laugh. Some lesser known characters also played a larger part in the romance. Samantha Bingley as Madame de la Grande Bouche, an operatic matchmaker turned wardrobe who was a real scene stealer. Plus, Emma Caffrey the flirtatious feather duster, who keeps Lumiere on his candelab-toes. Their cheeky humour was flawlessly balanced.

The main cast were partnered with an extraordinary ensemble. Showcasing a range of vocal and dance talent. Integral in every way, their renditions of ‘Gaston’ with exhilarating tankard and foot stomping energy and the mesmerizing, cabaret classic ‘Be Our Guest’, abounding with can-can, feathers and amazing visual effects, were a real treat.

Costumes, scenery, choreography and special effects have to be seen to be believed, all blended with uplifting orchestral music. With no small parts, every individual involved in this production thoroughly deserved the standing ovation.

Transcendent and enchanting, Beauty and the Beast is pure joy! Heart-warming, funny, musically and visually spectacular – a truly perfect production! An unmissable show for young and old at the magnificent Birmingham Hippodrome!

Rating: Five Magnifique Stars (5/5)

Beauty and the Beast is on stage at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 26th March 2022.

Tickets from £30.00 available via the Box Office, 0844 338 5000, and online https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/disneys-beauty-and-the-beast/